It’s a lighter day of NBA betting action with just four games on the schedule, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of value to be found in Thursday's basketball odds, including with The King himself.
Casual NBA fans might think that LeBron James takes his foot off the gas in the second half of a back-to-back set, but the superstar's player props have been turning profits in these situations.
We break down the NBA odds for that and more with our best free NBA picks and predictions for Thursday, January 28.
NBA Picks for Today
Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons
The Los Angeles Lakers’ fourth-quarter comeback came up just short against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, but they’ll get a chance to take out some frustrations on the lowly Detroit Pistons, who are also playing their second game in as many nights.
It may be back-to-back games for the Lakers, but “No days off” seems to be the motto for LeBron James this season, as The King has played in every game for Los Angeles and the Pistons' defense should struggle to contain him.
Detroit ranks 25th in defensive rating and defensive efficiency, and 28th in opponent field goal percentage. That means the Pistons will have their hands full with LeBron, who is lighting it up right now.
James has topped 34 points in three of his last four games and has also performed well in the second half of back-to-backs, averaging 27.7 points in those situations this season. He shouldn’t get a whole lot of resistance from the Pistons in this one. Take the Over on LeBron’s points.
PREDICTION: LeBron James Over 24.5 Points (-120)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Miami Heat
It looks like the Los Angeles Clippers will be without their one-two punch once again as they head to Miami to take on the Heat.
Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George did not play in the Clippers’ last game due to COVID-19 protocols and aren’t expected back for Thursday night’s matchup. And the Clippers’ offense was certainly lacking, to put it lightly, without the two stars last contest.
Los Angeles scored 99 points and shot just 40 percent from the floor, including 31 percent from deep, in Tuesday’s loss to the Hawks. It doesn’t help that the Clippers play at one of the slowest paces in the league.
Whether due to COVID or injuries, Miami is dealing with its own long list of players missing in action, and as a result, the Heat have dropped four games in a row and scored 85 points or fewer in three of those contests. And it’s not like the Heat were lighting it up before half the team hit the injured list.
The Heat rank 26th in the NBA in scoring and 27th in offensive rating. The offense is basically Bam Adebayo and an occasional three from Duncan Robinson. It’s hard to envision there being enough firepower in this matchup to hit the Over.
PREDICTION: Under 215 (-110)
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns
The Golden State Warriors improved their record to 10-8 after a two-game sweep of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but things get a little tougher when they visit the Phoenix Suns in their second game in as many nights.
That said, the Suns are in a bit of a slump, dropping three in a row and five of six, which includes a 102-97 loss as 8-point favorites against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. While the Suns aren’t getting the wins, they are still putting up good fights. Of those five losses, two came in overtime and two more were by five points or fewer thanks to a much-improved defense.
The Suns should also have a major edge on the glass in this game. Phoenix ranks 14th in the NBA in rebounding percentage, while the Warriors rank dead last and give up the most opponent rebounds per game.
That has us taking a hard look at Mikal Bridges' rebounding prop which is currently set at 5.5. Bridges already averages 5.5 boards per game and has five or more rebounds in each of his last six contests. Bridges should get plenty of opportunities to clean up on the glass against a Warriors squad that ranks 20th in the NBA in shooting percentage.
PREDICTION: Mikal Bridges Over 5.5 Rebounds (+125)
Top NBA Consensus for Today
Want to know who today's biggest NBA betting and consensus bets are right now? Check out our top NBA consensus picks.
Yesterday's picks: 2-1 (+0.74 units)
Season record to date: 51-44-1 (+2.93 units)
NBA Betting Card for January 28
- LeBron James Over 24.5 Points (-120)
- LAC-MIA Under 215 (-110)
- Mikal Bridges Over 5.5 Rebounds (+125)
NBA Parlays
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NBA betting picks, you could win $68.75 on a $10 bet?
Use our NBA parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where Can I Bet on the NBA?
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